Jawlene
Jawlene at Gatorland | |
| Species | American alligator |
|---|---|
| Sex | Female |
Jawlene is a female American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) living at Gatorland in Orlando, Florida.[1][2] She is notable for having lost most of her upper jaw.[1] Despite the severity of her injury, Jawlene has survived for years and has become one of Gatorland's most recognized animals.[1][3][4]
Background
Jawlene is believed to have lost her upper jaw due to trauma sustained in the wild, possibly from a boat propeller, entanglement in fishing line, or a fight with another American alligator.[5] Such injuries are uncommon but survivable in alligators due to their slow metabolism, strong immune systems, and ability to adapt feeding behaviors.
The alligator was later captured in mid September 2023 and transferred to Gatorland, where she now lives under permanent human care.[1]
Injury and survival
Jawlene's injury involves her the near-complete loss of her upper snout, leaving exposed tissue and teeth. Despite this, she is able to eat using modified feeding techniques, primarily relying on gravity and assistance from caretakers. Gatorland staff provide her with specialized feeding and veterinary monitoring.[5][6]
Name
The name "Jawlene" is a play on the name "Jolene" and references the alligator's missing jaw.[1][7] She was named that after a number of submissions, and the staff chose it since it represented southern culture since the music artist Dolly Parton was from the American South.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f Bekiempis, Victoria (2023-09-30). "Jawless Florida alligator named Jawlene for fellow 'treasure' Dolly Parton". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
- ^ Cohen, Li (2023-10-03). "A Florida gator "lost her complete upper jaw" and likely would've died. Now, she's thriving with the name Jawlene". CBS News. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
- ^ Baitinger, Brooke (2025-03-25). "'Brave little gator' with missing top jaw is thriving at Florida park. See Jawlene". Miami Herald. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
- ^ Carter, Ashley (2023-12-18). "Jawlene makes public debut at Gatorland". News 13. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
- ^ a b "How does Jawlene, who lost her top jaw, do gator stuff? We asked". Tampa Bay Times. 2023-10-27. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
- ^ Fluke, Parker (2024-08-08). "Florida gator Jawlene 'in great health' nearly a year after rescue". FOX 13 Tampa Bay. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
- ^ Crowley, Kinsey (2023-09-28). "Florida gator missing top jaw named Jawlene for Dolly Parton song". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2026-02-06.